French Conversation · Level 42
75 words
French word
familier
Pronunciation
IPA/familje/
Meaning
- adjectiveclose
Example
Il est très familier avec ses voisins.
He is very close to his neighbors.
More examples
Ne sois pas trop familier avec le directeur.
Don't be too familiar with the director.
Core concept
A relaxed person or manner that feels close and unceremonious rather than formal.
Common phrases
un ton familier
an informal tone
se montrer familier
act overly familiar
Similar words
informel: Not formal in language or behavior.
décontracté: Relaxed and free from tension or stiffness.
amical: Friendly and expressing warmth or goodwill.
proche: Close in distance or relationship.
Definition in French
Qui appartient au registre non formel et sert à décrire un langage, un ton ou un comportement détendu et peu cérémonieux.
Word origin
French familier comes from Latin familiaris through Old French, referring first to household or close association before developing senses of familiarity and informality.
Usage tips
- With a person, familier usually means familiar or overly familiar, while langage familier means informal language.